By Arun Kumar, IANS,
Washington : The US says it is working closely with the intelligence services of Pakistan and other countries to disrupt the weapons supply lines of Taliban extremists posing a threat to other nations as well.
“Yes, we know that the extremists are being supplied,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Tuesday at her first briefing for the foreign media through what was billed as a global press conference.
“We are working closely with the intelligence services of Pakistan and other countries to try to determine where those weapons are coming from,” she said responding to a Pakistani journalist who asked if America cannot find, detect, and destroy the supply line of weapons to Taliban.
“And we are certainly supporting the Pakistani government in their efforts to disrupt the supply lines that are providing the weapons.”
Clinton also expressed confidence that when credible information is available about who are supplying the weapons to the Taliban, “Pakistani government will do what it must. And we stand ready to offer assistance if they request.”
But it is a very difficult terrain to operate in, she said outlining the difficulties.
“Many of the extremists are aided by local residents who know every trail and every possible route into the areas of conflict.
“So it’s a challenge, but it’s one that we are supporting the Pakistani military in addressing,” Clinton said.
“It is important to underscore our very strong support for the steps that the people, government, and military of Pakistan are taking against the extremist threat that is not only aimed at Pakistan, but clearly beyond the borders to other nations as well,” she said.